YG's "Fuck Donald Trump" tour hits Eugene

YG might not be a rapper that everyone has heard of, but his politically straightforward message echoed throughout cities across the nation last Tuesday night as results of the presidential election filtered in. The Compton rapper released his single “FDT (Fuck Donald Trump)” back in March — and, in fact, someone drove down 13th Avenue repeatedly playing this during the Trump rally in May — but the catchphrase has remained a whopping battle-cry during this political cycle.

In the notorious single featuring fellow Californian rapper Nipsey Hussle, YG raps in favor of the Black Lives Matter movement, against anti-immigration and, you guessed it, about his avid dislike for the controversial president-elect, e.g. “Surprised El Chapo ain’t tried to snipe you/ Surprised the Nation of Islam ain’t tried to find you.”

Now YG is embarking on his tour, aptly named after the song, less than a week after the American public (or electoral college) elected Trump into office. The Eugene date, Nov. 19, is one of a few that’s sold out — the message resonates.

Beyond political affiliation, these past few days have been emotional to say the least. It’s clear, as the nation reacts, there could not be a more relevant time for an outspoken rapper like YG to arise, and for music to shine through as a beacon of hope for those who feel marginalized by this election. Although rap often gets a bad rap for being low-brow, hyper-masculinized, ignorant or shallow, YG shows that any type of music can stir a movement — and an uprising.

Over the past three decades, composer/guitarist/vocalist Trey Anastasio has forged a multi-faceted career, winning acclaim in rock, classical and theatrical circles. He is a founding … Continue reading →